The family of David Brooke (NZL), a veteran of several America's Cup campaigns and Volvo Ocean Races, have advised that he is recovering successfully after an emergency liver transplant last week, in San Francisco.

At the time he collapsed in his apartment, Brooke was Tender Fleet Manager for the Swedish America's Cup Challenger Artemis Racing.

His immediate family traveled to San Francisco as soon as the seriousness of Brooke's condition was known.

In an email yesterday, his father Don Brooke thanked all those who had sent messages of support to the family.

'David has turned the corner today', Don Brooke wrote. 'He is now speaking to us although still a little confused. He thinks that he now has a new appendix from a pretty girl and is quite happy about this. We will educate him over the next few days!

'He still has to have kidney dialysis every two days, with blood transfusions to follow. Hopefully he will be moved out of the Intensive Care Unit tomorrow, and we will be able to see him more often.

'It brings home the very short string that we all live on.

'Just one week ago things were indeed grim - somebody's prayers are a darn sight better than mine,' he added.

'I just hoped that all the life support system would keep on working, and it did. Those of you who imbibe, please join me in a glass tonight in favour of the U S of A - they have done a great job.

'Thank you all sincerely - we have got our son back.

'Paul Cayard and Artemis Racing deserve every credit for all they have done.

'I am proud to be a yachtsman', Brooke concluded.

Sail-World will carry further updates on David Brooke's situation as they come to hand.

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